Europe’s foreign ministers have approved sending troops to help train the Malian army to fight back against Islamist militants.

EU troops are not expected to take part in combat operations, although France’s top diplomat hinted that may change.

“It is possible but it remains the responsiblilty of the other countries involved whether they decide not only to provide logistical support, but also to provide combat troops. But we cannot force them to do it,” said Laurent Fabius, French Foreign Ministers.

Islamists have taken control of large parts of northern Mali and EU officials argue they could use it as a base to plot terrorist attacks.